Books Like...

"Fuckness" by Andersen Prunty is a darkly comic novel that follows the protagonist, Wally Black, a sixteen-year-old boy who is bullied, abused, and marginalized in rural Ohio. After being punished by his mother with a set of devil horns fused to his head, Wally's life takes a dark turn as he seeks revenge and embarks on a journey filled with retribution, abomination, mischief, and adventure. The narrative delves into themes of abuse, bullying, and the power dynamics of cruelty, presenting a coming-of-age story that is both violent and terrifying, yet strangely enthralling.

The writing style of "Fuckness" is described as smooth and inventive, with layers of profoundness hidden within seemingly simple prose. The author, Andersen Prunty, is commended for his fresh voice and passion for crafting a narrative that is both unique and engaging. is praised for its ability to tackle complex themes such as geek culture, poverty, and the struggles of adolescence with a deft pen, offering readers a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

'Une Semaine de Bonte' by Max Ernst is a surreal collage novel that showcases darkly surreal images created from 19th-century engravings. The book consists of 182 collages that are described as beautiful, dreamlike, nonsensical, and amusing. The lack of text accompanying each collage allows the to create their own storyline to run through each of the 7 sections. The overall atmosphere of the book is gothic and bizarre, filled with motifs of people with animal heads, winged ladies, and water elements.

The novella 'The Baby Jesus Butt Plug' by Carlton Mellick III follows a young couple who purchase a Baby Jesus to use as a butt plug, leading to chaotic consequences and the end of the world. The story is filled with dark satire, absurdist humor, and elements of social commentary, featuring a world where children are extinct, adults are cloned into existence, and people work mindless drone jobs in a cycle of consumerism and dissatisfaction. The writing style is described as whimsical, bizarre, and with a deliberate lack of finesse, adding charm to the twisted and disturbing narrative.

In a futuristic world where humans no longer procreate but clone themselves, the book explores themes of insignificance, perversion, abuse, and the narcissistic need for self-love. Despite its shocking and offensive content, readers find the book to be a thought-provoking allegory that draws parallels to the absurdities of modern society. The illustrations in the book enhance the disturbing and Children's Book-like aspect of the narrative, creating a unique reading experience that forces the reader to engage with the content on a deeper level.

Unbreakable by Mira Grant is a gripping novella that explores the dark side of the magical girl trope. It follows the survivors Piper and Yuina after a devastating battle, showcasing their struggles as they cope with the aftermath and the government's attempts to control their narrative. The writing style is engaging and crafted with humor, emotion, and vivid descriptions, making it hard to put down. Readers will appreciate the depth of the characters and the unique world-building, which offers a fresh perspective on the consequences faced by child heroes in a society that once celebrated them.

'My Man Jeeves' by P.G. Wodehouse is a collection of short stories featuring the amusing adventures of Bertie Wooster and his quick-witted valet, Jeeves. The book also includes stories about Reggie Pepper, a character similar to Bertie, known for getting into comical predicaments. Set in the early 20th century, the tales showcase British humor, social comedy, and the clever problem-solving skills of Jeeves, providing readers with light-hearted and entertaining narratives.

The book offers a mix of stories, some focusing on the dynamic duo of Jeeves and Wooster, while others feature Reggie Pepper and his misadventures. Readers can expect humorous situations, witty dialogues, and clever plot twists throughout the collection. Written in a light and engaging style, 'My Man Jeeves' provides a glimpse into the world of the idle rich, filled with laugh-out-loud moments and enjoyable escapades.

'True Grit' by Charles Portis is a Western novel that follows the story of fourteen-year-old Mattie Ross seeking revenge for her father's murder. The book is narrated in the first person by Mattie, who enlists the help of U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn to track down the killer, Tom Chaney. The plot is action-packed, with elements of gun battles, bravery, and a strong sense of justice prevailing throughout the story. The writing style is described as spare, clean, and filled with terse Western dialogue, making the narrative quick, to the point, and engaging.

The novel is praised for its strong and memorable protagonist, Mattie Ross, who is depicted as brave, stubborn, independent, and smart. The character of Mattie is highlighted as the heart of the story, with her unsentimental and matter-of-fact narration adding depth and humor to the events unfolding in the book. Readers appreciate the humor, character development, and the unique voice of Mattie as a narrator, making 'True Grit' a compelling and enjoyable read that delves into themes of revenge, courage, and perseverance in the Wild West.

'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole is a dark comedy set in New Orleans, following the eccentric and obnoxious protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly. The plot revolves around Ignatius' misadventures and interactions with a range of bizarre characters in the city, showcasing a mix of humor and sadness. The writing style is described as unique, blending humor with a touch of melancholy, and featuring well-developed characters in a vividly constructed setting.

'John Dies at the End' by Jason Pargin (David Wong) is a bizarre and unpredictable story that follows two friends, David and John, who become 'infected' after consuming a mysterious drug called soy sauce. This leads them to encounter alternate creatures, shadow people, and horrifying experiences as they try to protect others and survive in a world filled with the unknown. The writing style combines humor, horror elements, and a touch of absurdity, keeping readers engaged through a rollercoaster of events that blur the lines between reality and fiction.

The book is described as a genre-bending experiment that mixes horror, comedy, and satire. Readers are taken on a wild ride filled with graphic scenes, grotesque monsters, and unexpected twists, all while exploring themes of friendship, survival, and the unknown. Despite its disjointed structure and shocking content, 'John Dies at the End' manages to maintain a sense of mystery and urgency that captivates readers till the end.

'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck is a poignant tale about the friendship between two drifters, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression. The story follows their journey as they seek work on a ranch in California, highlighting the challenges they face due to Lennie's mental disability and their shared dream of owning a farm. Through vivid character portrayals and a dialogue-driven narrative, Steinbeck masterfully captures the essence of friendship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life in the 1930s.

The novella delves into themes of friendship, loss, and the pursuit of dreams amidst a backdrop of sadness and violence. Through George and Lennie's endearing relationship, Steinbeck explores the complexities of human emotions and the inevitability of tragic outcomes. The book's concise yet impactful storytelling style, coupled with its profound character development, evokes deep emotions in readers and leaves a lasting impression of the struggles faced by individuals during a tumultuous era.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a humorous science fiction novel by Douglas Adams that follows the adventures of Arthur Dent, a mild-mannered Earthling who is saved from the destruction of Earth by his alien friend Ford Prefect. Together, they embark on a journey through space and time, encountering eccentric characters like Zaphod Beeblebrox and Marvin the Paranoid Android. The book is known for its quirky, whimsical writing style, filled with absurdity, satire, and philosophical musings on the meaning of life.

The plot revolves around Arthur and Ford's escapades as they hitchhike across the galaxy, facing bizarre situations and navigating through the absurdities of the universe. Adams' narrative style is conversational and comically bizarre, blending elements of science fiction with absurdist humor to create a unique and entertaining reading experience that challenges traditional storytelling conventions.